Twist-tie dispenser

ABSTRACT

A twist-tie dispenser comprises a twist-tie cluster and a base. The base includes a top portion, a rear wall extending downward from the top portion, and an open front. A latching structure for removably mounting the base to a fixture is defined at least in part by a first hook-like extension protruding from the rear wall of the base, the first hook-like extension defining a pocket formed by an upper stop surface and a vertical retention surface, the latching structure also defined at least in part by a flexible portion of the rear wall that is configured to elastically deflect through a cut-out provided on the rear wall in a direction from the rear wall toward the open front when a rod-like mounting structure of the fixture is inserted into the pocket of the first hook-like extension, the flexible portion also defining a lower stop surface that opposes the upper stop surface of the first hook-like extension when the rod-like mounting structure is within the pocket and is captured between the lower stop surface and the upper stop surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/751,697, filed Jan. 24, 2020; which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Serial No. 15/299,586, filed Oct. 21, 2016, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,542,830; which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/245,655, filed Oct. 23, 2015, which applicationsare incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to twist-tie dispensers andmethods of use.

BACKGROUND

There are many uses for twist-ties. In a grocery store, for example,consumers commonly place produce items, bakery items, bulk food items,and the like in bags and use twist-ties to temporarily close the bags.In such uses, sanitary conditions are very important and, therefore,consideration should be given to the manner in which the twist-ties aredispensed. Further, spillage of twist-ties is a concern for safetyreasons among others. Quick and cost-effective refill or replacement ofthe twist-ties or the dispensers thereof is also advantageous.

For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below, whichwill become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading andunderstanding the present specification, there is a need in the art foran improved twist-tie dispenser.

SUMMARY

The above-mentioned problems associated with prior devices are addressedby embodiments of the present invention and will be understood byreading and understanding the present specification. The followingsummary is made by way of example and not by way of limitation. It ismerely provided to aid the reader in understanding some of the aspectsof the invention.

In one embodiment, the twist-tie dispenser is configured as a disposableproduct, wherein the dispenser can be thrown away or disposed of oncethe twist-tie cluster is spent. The twist-tie dispenser comprises a baseand a twist-tie cluster attached to the base. The base includes a topportion, which may be generally U-shaped and form a pocket that is forreceiving the twist-tie cluster. The base also includes a rear portionor wall that defines mounting members used for mounting the base to afixture.

According to one example embodiment, the mounting members may be definedby hook-like extensions that protrude from the rear wall of the base,wherein the hook-like extensions are configured to receive elongate,rod-like mounting structures of a fixture to which the disposabletwist-tie dispenser is to be mounted. According to one example, thehook-like extensions may fit over the elongate, rod-like mountingstructures of the fixture. In addition to the hook-like extensions, therear wall of the base may define a flexible portion that is used forlatching and unlatching the dispenser to the fixture.

The flexible portion acts as a cantilever. In some embodiments, theflexible portion defines ramped tabs with latching surfaces that opposeand cooperate with upper stop surfaces formed by the hook-likeextensions for latching the dispenser to the fixture. When the twist-tiecluster is spent and the dispenser needs to be removed and replaced, theflexible portion may be elastically flexed toward the front of thedispenser to clear the latching surfaces from the rod-like mountingstructures of the fixture. In this manner, the dispenser can be liftedoff the fixture.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a twist-tie dispensercomprises a base including a top portion defining a twist-tie clustermounting surface, a rear wall extending downward from the top portion,and an open front. A latching structure configured for removablymounting the base to a fixture including at least one rod-like mountingstructure is defined at least in part by a first hook-like extensionprotruding from the rear wall of the base, the first hook-like extensiondefining a pocket formed by an upper stop surface and a verticalretention surface, the latching structure also defined at least in partby a flexible portion of the rear wall that is configured to elasticallydeflect through a cut-out provided on the rear wall in a direction fromthe rear wall toward the open front when the rod-like mounting structureof the fixture is inserted into the pocket of the first hook-likeextension, the flexible portion also defining a lower stop surface thatopposes the upper stop surface of the first hook-like extension when therod-like mounting structure is within the pocket of the first hook-likeextension and is captured between the lower stop surface and the upperstop surface. As seen in FIG. 1, the cutout extends, vertically, pastthe center point of the rear wall and to a point that is positionedabove the hook-like extensions (36). The cutout, shown in FIG. 1,defined the flexible portion (48) of the rear wall, where the flexibleportion can elastically deflect through the cutout in a direction fromthe rear wall toward the open front defined by the base of the twist-tiedispenser. The cutout is shown as or is represented by slots that arepositioned at both sides of the flexible portion (48) of the real wallas shown in FIG. 1.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the twist-tie dispenserincludes the twist-tie cluster integrally mounted to the top portion ofthe base, and the dispenser including the twist-tie cluster is mountedand removed from the fixture as an integral disposable unit.

According to yet another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a methodof using a twist-tie dispenser, the method comprising providing atwist-tie dispenser comprising a base including a top portion defining atwist-tie cluster mounting surface, a rear wall extending downward fromthe top portion, and an open front, the dispenser further comprising alatching structure configured for removably mounting the base to afixture including at least one rod-like mounting structure, the latchingstructure defined at least in part by a first hook-like extensionprotruding from the rear wall of the base, the first hook-like extensiondefining a pocket formed by an upper stop surface and a verticalretention surface, the latching structure also defined at least in partby a flexible portion of the rear wall that is configured to elasticallydeflect through a cut-out provided on the rear wall in a direction fromthe rear wall toward the open front when the rod-like mounting structureof the fixture is inserted into the pocket of the first hook-likeextension, the flexible portion also defining a lower stop surface thatopposes the upper stop surface of the first hook-like extension when therod-like mounting structure is within the pocket and is captured betweenthe lower stop surface and the upper stop surface, slidably insertingthe rod-like structure of the fixture into the pocket of the firsthook-like extension until abutting the upper stop surface, and whileslidably inserting the rod-like structure of the fixture into the pocketof the first hook-like extension, deflecting the flexible portion of therear wall through the cut-out provided on the rear wall until therod-like structure is captured between the upper stop surface of thefirst hook-like extension and the lower stop surface defined by theflexible portion.

The method may further comprise removing the twist-tie dispenser fromthe fixture by re-deflecting the flexible portion toward the open frontthrough the cut-out provided on the rear wall until the rod-likestructure clears the lower stop surface and slidably lifting the baseupward relative to the fixture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The inventive aspects of the present disclosure can be more easilyunderstood, and further advantages and uses thereof can be more readilyapparent, when considered in view of the detailed description and thefollowing Figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a base of a twist-tie dispenserhaving features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordancewith the present disclosure, the twist-tie dispenser shown with afixture to which the dispenser may be attached;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the base of the twist-tiedispenser and fixture of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the base of the twist-tie dispenser and fixtureof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of the twist-tie dispenser ofFIGS. 1-3 mounted on the fixture of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the twist-tie dispenser mounted onthe fixture of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the twist-tie dispenser mounted on the fixtureof FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section taken along line A-A of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-section taken along line B-B of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 illustrates a base of a twist-tie dispenser defining analternative mounting arrangement;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective of another version of a base of atwist-tie dispenser defining yet another alternative mountingarrangement;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the base of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the base of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view showing the hook-like extensions andthe flexible portion separated from the base of the twist-tie dispenserprior to a welding operation;

FIG. 14 illustrates the base, the hook-like extensions, and the flexibleportion of FIG. 13 from a front perspective view; and

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a twist-tie cluster configured to befixed to any of the dispensers shown in FIGS. 1-14.

In accordance with common practice, the various described features arenot drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific inventivefeatures relevant to the present disclosure. Reference characters denotelike elements throughout the Figures and the text.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shownby way of illustration, embodiments in which the inventions may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the inventive features, andit is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized andmechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of thepresent inventive features are defined only by the claims andequivalents thereof

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide improved twist-tiedispensers.

According to one embodiment, the twist-tie dispenser 10 is configured asa disposable device, wherein the entire dispenser 10 can be removed froma fixture 12 at a customer location such as a grocery store and thrownaway or disposed of once a twist-tie cluster 14 is spent. In such anembodiment, the twist-tie cluster 14 may be provided with/attached tothe dispenser 10 as an integral unit. The twist-tie cluster 14 may beattached to the dispenser 10 in a variety of ways known in the artincluding via adhesives. Once the twist-ties of the cluster 14 are usedand the entire cluster 14 is spent, the entire dispenser 10, along withthe portion of the cluster 14 that has adhesively been attached to thedispenser 10, can be disposed. An example of a twist-tie cluster 14 thatcan be fixed to any of the dispensers discussed in the presentapplication is shown in FIG. 15.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, one embodiment of the twist-tie dispenser 10includes a base 16 that is used for mounting the dispenser 10 to afixture 12 at, for example, a grocery store. In FIGS. 1-3, the dispenser10 is shown separately from the fixture 12, and in FIGS. 4-8, thedispenser 10 is shown mounted on the fixture 12.

As shown in FIGS. 1-8, the base 16 may include a generally U-shaped topportion 18 and a rear portion or wall 20. The rear wall 20 extendsdownward from the top portion 18. As will be discussed in further detailbelow, the U-shaped top portion 18 is configured for receiving atwist-tie cluster 14, while the rear wall 20 is configured for removablyattaching the base 16 to a fixture 12.

The base 16 could be made of extruded plastic and optionally be at leastpartially covered with paper, which could include graphics such aslogos, trademarks, advertising, and the like.

The twist-tie cluster 14 that is provided as part of the dispenser 10may include a plurality of twist-ties that are attached to a mountingsurface 22 defined by the top portion 18 of the base 16 via, forexample, adhesive. Other methods of attaching the twist-tie cluster 14to the base 16 are also contemplated. For example, the base 16 and thetwist-tie cluster 14 may be secured with a securing member selected fromthe group consisting of an adhesive, at least one staple, and at leastone rivet.

In assembling the dispenser 10, a top portion of the twist-tie cluster14 is received by a pocket 24 formed by the U-shaped top portion 18 ofthe base 16. The top portion of the cluster 14 is adhered to an insidemounting surface 22 of a top wall 23 of the U-shaped top portion 18 ofthe base 16. A bottom portion of the twist-tie cluster 14, which isformed from a plurality of separated twist-ties, hangs down from theU-shaped top portion 18 of the base 16 and is exposed to the users froman open front 26 of the base 16. A user can tear off one of thetwist-ties by accessing it from the open front 26.

As noted above, rather than simply refilling the twist-tie cluster 14,the dispenser 10 of the present disclosure includes a base 16 that is ineffect integral with a twist-tie cluster 14. This has numerous benefitsincluding provision of biodegradable components, lower cost byelimination of a heavy plastic receiver, cleaner appearance of the base16 due to periodic disposal and replacement with a new base 16, theability to match advertising on the base 16 with advertising on thetwist-ties, etc.

Now referring to FIGS. 1 and 6-8, the rear portion or wall 20 of thebase 16 that includes mounting features 28 for removably mounting thebase 16 to a fixture 12 is described. It should be noted, as will bedescribed, that the mounting features 28 are configured for mounting andunmounting the base 16 to and from a specific fixture 12 that isgenerally provided at the user venues, such as grocery stores. As notedabove, such a fixture 12 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-8. The examplefixture 12 shown in FIGS. 1-8 includes two parallel rod-like mountingstructures 30. As will be discussed, the mounting features 28 of thebase 16 may be configured and arranged to cooperate with and match thespacing of the rod-like structures 30. Even though shown as includingtwo parallel rod-like mounting structures 30, more or fewer rod-likemounting structures 30 may be provided on the fixture 12, and thedispenser 10 of the present disclosure may be used with more or fewerrod-like mounting structures 30. According to one example embodiment,the rod-like structures 30 may be 3/16″ in diameter and the spacingbetween the two rows of the rod-like mounting structures 30 may be 1¼″.

As shown in FIGS. 1-8, the fixture 12 may also define an inset dispensermounting area 32 (across which the rod-like structures 30 extend) thatis bordered by sidewalls 34. The sidewalls 34 are configured to limitsideways movement of the dispenser 10 once the dispenser 10 has beenmounted.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-8, the mounting feature 28 of the base 16that cooperates with the rod-like structures 30 of the fixture 12defines at least one extension 36. The extension 36 protrudes outwardlyfrom the rear wall 20 of the base 16. The extension 36 defines ahook-like configuration and is configured to receive the elongate,rod-like mounting structures 30 of the fixture 12 to which the twist-tiedispenser 10 is to be mounted.

The at least one extension 36 can include a plurality of extensions 36as shown in the depicted version of the base 16. In certain embodiments,the at least one extension 36 can include multiple rows of extensions 36(as in the version shown) such that the twist-tie dispenser 10 can bemounted to a fixture 12 that has multiple parallel elongate rod-likemounting structures 30.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-8, two extensions 36 are providedin an aligned but spaced-apart relationship defining a lower row 38, anda single extension 36 is provided thereabove defining an upper row 40.

According to the depicted embodiment, the hook-like configurationdefined by each extension 36 defines a pocket 42 formed by an upper stopsurface 44 and a vertical retention surface 46.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-8, in addition to the hook-like extensions36, the mounting features 28 defined at the rear wall 20 of the base 16may include a flexible portion 48 that is used for latching andunlatching the dispenser 10 to the fixture 12.

The flexible portion 48 acts as a cantilever. The flexible portion 48may define at least one ramped tab 50. The ramped configuration of thetab 50 provides deflection to the flexible portion 48 as a rod-likestructure 30 of the fixture 12 contacts the tab 50. The ramped tab 50defines a latching surface 52 (also called a lower stop surface 52) thatopposes and cooperates with the upper stop surface 44 formed by one ofthe hook-like extensions 36 for latching the dispenser 10 to the fixture12. In the depicted version of the dispenser 10, the flexible portion 48is provided at the center of the two extensions 36 of the lower row 38,and two ramped tabs 50 are provided on the flexible portion 48 of thebase 16, each one configured to cooperate with a corresponding extension36 on the lower row 38. As noted above, the ramps facilitate slidablelatching of the dispenser 10 to the fixture 12. The rod-like mountingstructures 30 of the fixture 12 can ride along the ramped tabs 50 andelastically deflect the flexible portion 48 as the rod-like mountingstructures 30 enter the pockets 42 of the hook-like extensions 36.

When mounting the dispenser 10 to the fixture 12, the cantileveredflexible portion 48 is contacted and elastically flexed out of the waywhen receiving the elongate rod-like mounting structure 30 into thepockets 42 of the hook-like extensions 36. Once the rod 30 is passedover the ramped tab 50 of the cantilever 48 and enters the pocket 42 toabut the upper stop surface 44, the cantilever 48 flexes back to itsoriginal position. The latching or lower stop surfaces 52 of the rampedtabs 50 are configured to cooperate with the upper stop surfaces 44 ofthe extensions 36 to capture and prevent or limit removal of the rod 30from the base 16 of the twist-tie dispenser 10.

When the twist-tie cluster 14 is spent and the dispenser 10 needs to beremoved and replaced, the flexible portion 48 may be elastically flexedtoward the open front 26 of the dispenser base 16 to clear the latchingsurfaces 52 from the rod-like mounting structures 30 of the fixture 12.In this manner, the dispenser 10 can be lifted off the fixture 12.

The extension 36 provided at the upper row 40 provides stability to thebase 16 when mounted on the fixture 12 by cooperating with the otherrod-like mounting structure 30 of the fixture 12 that is parallel to thelower rod-like mounting structure 30. In certain embodiment, the upperextension 36 may not be needed.

FIG. 9 illustrates a base 116 defining an alternative mountingarrangement at the rear wall 120 of the base 116. The mounting features128 of the base 116 are similar to those of the base 16 of FIGS. 1-8,except that the upper hook-like extension 136 defines a pocket 142 thatopens upwardly rather than downwardly. This configuration necessitates amounting method where the dispenser 110 is initially lifted upwardly,inserting or hooking the upper rod 30 within the pocket 142 of the upperextension 136. The dispenser 110 is then pivoted toward the fixture 12.After the pivoting motion, the dispenser 110 is moved downwardly toinsert the lower rod 30 into the pockets 142 of the lower extensions 136by deflecting the flexible portion 148 out of the way (similar to thatof the base 16 of FIGS. 1-8).

FIGS. 10-14 illustrate yet another version of a base 216 having analternative mounting arrangement at the rear portion 220 of the base216. The mounting arrangement of the base 216 is similar to those shownfor bases 16, 116 in that hook-like extensions 236 and a center flexibleportion 248 is used. In the version of FIGS. 10-14, two rows of twoextensions 236 each are used. The upper extensions 236, again, are forsupport and rigidity and the lower extensions 236 are used for latching.The flexible portion 248, in the shown embodiment, defines a single tab250 that spans the entire width defined between the two lower extensions236. The center flexible portion 248, as shown in FIGS. 10-14, may beaccessed both from the rear 225 of the dispenser 210 and the front 226of the dispenser 210 when the twist-tie cluster 14 is spent. Theflexible portion 248 extends through an opening 227 provided at the rearwall 220 of the base 216 and defines a handle 229 that can be graspedand pulled from the open front 226 of the dispenser 210 for elasticallydeflecting the flexible portion 248. Upon pulling the handle 229 anddeflecting the flexible portion 248, the rod 30 can be cleared from thelatching surface 252 of the tab 250 and the dispenser 210 liftedupwardly to remove it from the fixture 12. The flexible portion 248 alsodefines a stop tab 231 at a lower end thereof to limit opposite rearwarddeflection of the flexible portion 248 to provide strength to themounting arrangement.

It should be noted that the mounting arrangement shown in FIGS. 10-14may be used as a retro-fit measure for dispensers that are not initiallyprovided with the latching structures that have been discussed above. Aslong as an opening 227 is molded through the rear wall 220 of the base216, the hook-like extensions 236 and the central flexible portion 248may be mounted to the rear wall 220 of the base 216 to convert thedispenser to a latching type dispenser 210. The hook-like extensions 236and the flexible portions 248 may be provided as separate pieces thatare ultra-sonically welded (or attached in other ways) to the base 216.Piece parts 233 for the extensions 236 and a piece part 235 for theflexible portion 248 are shown separately from the base 216 (prior towelding) in FIGS. 13-14.

Thus, the hook-like extensions 236 and the flexible portion 248 mayprovide a conversion structure for converting preexisting non-disposabledispensers to disposable dispensers 210 with minor modification.

The above specification, examples, and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of embodimentsof the inventive aspects. Although specific embodiments have beenillustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art that any arrangement, which is calculated toachieve the same purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodimentshown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations orvariations of the disclosure. Therefore, it is manifestly intended thatthe inventive features be limited only by the claims and the equivalentsthereof.

1. A twist-tie dispenser, comprising: a base including a top portiondefining a twist-tie cluster mounting surface, a rear wall extendingdownward from the top portion, and an open front; a latching structureconfigured for removably mounting the base to a fixture including atleast one rod-like mounting structure, the latching structure defined atleast in part by a first hook-like extension protruding from the rearwall of the base, the first hook-like extension defining a pocket formedby an upper stop surface and a vertical retention surface, the latchingstructure also defined at least in part by a flexible portion of therear wall that is configured to elastically deflect through a cut-outprovided on the rear wall in a direction from the rear wall toward theopen front when the rod-like mounting structure of the fixture isinserted into the pocket of the first hook-like extension, the flexibleportion also defining a lower stop surface that opposes the upper stopsurface of the first hook-like extension when the rod-like mountingstructure is within the pocket of the first hook-like extension and iscaptured between the lower stop surface and the upper stop surface.
 2. Atwist-tie dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the lower stop surfaceof the flexible portion is defined by a ramped tab configured to allowthe rod-like structure of the fixture to slidably move therealong whendeflecting the flexible portion.
 3. A twist-tie dispenser according toclaim 1, wherein the latching structure defines at least two firsthook-like extensions protruding from the rear wall, the at least twofirst hook-like extensions aligned along a horizontal row.
 4. Atwist-tie dispenser according to claim 3, wherein the flexible portionof the rear wall is positioned between the at least two first hook-likeextensions that are aligned along the horizontal row.
 5. A twist-tiedispenser according to claim 4, wherein the flexible portion of the rearwall includes at least two ramped tabs corresponding to the at least twofirst hook-like extensions, each ramped tab defining the lower stopsurface that opposes the upper stop surface of each first hook-likeextension, wherein each ramped tab is configured to allow the rod-likestructure of the fixture to slidably move therealong when deflecting theflexible portion.
 6. A twist-tie dispenser according to claim 1, furthercomprising a second hook-like extension protruding from the rear wall,the second hook-like extension spaced vertically apart from the firsthook-like extension and configured to receive a second rod-likestructure of the fixture that is spaced vertically apart from and isparallel to the rod-like structure.
 7. A twist-tie dispenser accordingto claim 6, further comprising at least two second hook-like extensionsprotruding from the rear wall, the at least two second hook-likeextensions aligned along a horizontal row.
 8. A twist-tie dispenseraccording to claim 6, wherein the second hook-like extension defines avertical retention surface and an upper stop surface such that a pocketof the second hook-like extension opens downwardly for receiving thesecond rod-like structure.
 9. A twist-tie dispenser according to claim6, wherein the second hook-like extension defines a vertical retentionsurface and a lower stop surface such that a pocket of the secondhook-like extension opens upwardly for receiving the second rod-likestructure.
 10. A twist-tie dispenser according to claim 1, wherein thebase is mounted to the fixture.
 11. The twist-tie dispenser refill ofclaim 1, wherein the base is made of extruded plastic.
 12. A twist-tiedispenser, comprising: a base including a top portion, a rear wallextending downward from the top portion, and an open front; a latchingstructure configured for removably mounting the base to a fixtureincluding at least one rod-like mounting structure, the latchingstructure defined at least in part by a first hook-like extensionprotruding from the rear wall of the base, the first hook-like extensiondefining a pocket formed by an upper stop surface and a verticalretention surface, the latching structure also defined at least in partby a flexible portion of the rear wall that is configured to elasticallydeflect through a cut-out provided on the rear wall in a direction fromthe rear wall toward the open front when the rod-like mounting structureof the fixture is inserted into the pocket of the first hook-likeextension, the flexible portion also defining a lower stop surface thatopposes the upper stop surface of the first hook-like extension when therod-like mounting structure is within the pocket of the first hook-likeextension and is captured between the lower stop surface and the upperstop surface; and a twist-tie cluster integrally mounted to the topportion of the base.
 13. A twist-tie dispenser according to claim 12,wherein the base and the twist-tie cluster are secured with a securingmember selected from the group consisting of an adhesive, at least onestaple, and at least one rivet.
 14. A twist-tie dispenser according toclaim 12, wherein the latching structure defines at least two firsthook-like extensions protruding from the rear wall, the at least twofirst hook-like extensions aligned along a horizontal row.
 15. Atwist-tie dispenser according to claim 14, wherein the flexible portionof the rear wall is positioned between the at least two first hook-likeextensions that are aligned along the horizontal row.
 16. A twist-tiedispenser according to claim 15, wherein the flexible portion of therear wall includes at least two ramped tabs corresponding to the atleast two first hook-like extensions, each ramped tab defining the lowerstop surface that opposes the upper stop surface of each first hook-likeextension, wherein each ramped tab is configured to allow the rod-likestructure of the fixture to slidably move therealong when deflecting theflexible portion.
 17. A twist-tie dispenser according to claim 12,further comprising a second hook-like extension protruding from the rearwall, the second hook-like extension spaced vertically apart from thefirst hook-like extension and configured to receive a second rod-likestructure of the fixture that is spaced vertically apart from and isparallel to the rod-like structure.
 18. A twist-tie dispenser accordingto claim 17, further comprising at least two second hook-like extensionsprotruding from the rear wall, the at least two second hook-likeextensions aligned along a horizontal row.
 19. A twist-tie dispenseraccording to claim 17, wherein the second hook-like extension defines avertical retention surface and an upper stop surface such that a pocketof the second hook-like extension opens downwardly for receiving thesecond rod-like structure.
 20. A twist-tie dispenser according to claim17, wherein the second hook-like extension defines a vertical retentionsurface and a lower stop surface such that a pocket of the secondhook-like extension opens upwardly for receiving the second rod-likestructure.
 21. A method of using a twist-tie dispenser, the methodcomprising: providing a twist-tie dispenser comprising a base includinga top portion defining a twist-tie cluster mounting surface, a rear wallextending downward from the top portion, and an open front, thedispenser further comprising a latching structure configured forremovably mounting the base to a fixture including at least one rod-likemounting structure, the latching structure defined at least in part by afirst hook-like extension protruding from the rear wall of the base, thefirst hook-like extension defining a pocket formed by an upper stopsurface and a vertical retention surface, the latching structure alsodefined at least in part by a flexible portion of the rear wall that isconfigured to elastically deflect through a cut-out provided on the rearwall in a direction from the rear wall toward the open front when therod-like mounting structure of the fixture is inserted into the pocketof the first hook-like extension, the flexible portion also defining alower stop surface that opposes the upper stop surface of the firsthook-like extension when the rod-like mounting structure is within thepocket and is captured between the lower stop surface and the upper stopsurface; slidably inserting the rod-like structure of the fixture intothe pocket of the first hook-like extension until abutting the upperstop surface; while slidably inserting the rod-like structure of thefixture into the pocket of the first hook-like extension, deflecting theflexible portion of the rear wall through the cut-out provided on therear wall until the rod-like structure is captured between the upperstop surface of the first hook-like extension and the lower stop surfacedefined by the flexible portion.
 22. A method according to claim 21,wherein the twist-tie dispenser further comprises a twist-tie clusterintegrally mounted to the top portion of the base.
 23. A methodaccording to claim 21, further comprising removing the twist-tiedispenser from the fixture by re-deflecting the flexible portion throughthe cut-out provided on the rear wall until the rod-like structureclears the lower stop surface and lifting the base upwardly relative tothe fixture.